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Full Day Alexandria Citadel of Qaitbay & Kom Al Shoqafa & Pompey Pillar & Bibliotheca Alexandrina

Not Rated
Duration

10 Hours

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

100 people

Languages

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Embark on an unforgettable Alexandria Day Trip from Cairo, where history meets the Mediterranean breeze. Begin your journey with a comfortable pickup from your Cairo or Giza hotel, then travel north through Egypt’s scenic desert highway to the legendary coastal city of Alexandria, once the capital of the Ptolemaic Kingdom and home to the Great Library.

Explore the Citadel of Qaitbay, a majestic 15th-century fortress built on the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria – one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Descend into the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, a fascinating blend of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman art hidden beneath the city. Admire the towering Pompey’s Pillar, a striking Roman triumphal column rising from the heart of the ancient Serapeum. Then visit the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a modern architectural masterpiece honoring the spirit of the ancient library and a global hub for culture and knowledge.

Enjoy comfortable round-trip transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle and the insights of a professional Egyptologist guide throughout the day. Choose from private or small-group options, with available add-ons such as entrance tickets or a fresh seafood lunch on the Mediterranean corniche.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, culture lover, or first-time visitor, this Alexandria day tour from Cairo offers a deep connection with Egypt’s coastal heritage and its timeless charm.

What is special about the Citadel of Qaitbay?

 

The Citadel of Qaitbay was built in the 15th century by Sultan Qaitbay on the exact site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The fortress was designed to defend the city from naval invasions, and today it offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and Alexandria’s harbor.

Are the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa still open to visitors?

 

Yes, they are! The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa are one of the most fascinating underground sites in Egypt; a unique mix of Pharaonic, Greek, and Roman art carved into stone. Visitors can descend through spiral staircases into chambers containing statues, sarcophagi, and wall carvings that beautifully merge ancient traditions and cultures.

What is Pompey’s Pillar and why was it built?

 

Pompey’s Pillar is a massive red granite column, nearly 27 meters high, standing in the ruins of the ancient Serapeum Temple. Despite its name, it has nothing to do with the Roman general Pompey. It was erected around 300 AD to honor Emperor Diocletian, who helped save the city during a famine. It remains one of the largest monolithic columns ever built outside Rome.

What can I see inside the Bibliotheca Alexandrina?

 

The modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina was inaugurated in 2002 as a tribute to the ancient Great Library of Alexandria. It’s more than just a library, it’s a cultural and architectural landmark, housing millions of books, museums, art galleries, and a state-of-the-art planetarium. The building’s circular design represents the rising sun and Alexandria’s role as a beacon of knowledge.

Why is Alexandria called “The Bride of the Mediterranean”?

 

Alexandria earned this nickname for its beautiful coastline, cosmopolitan history, and sea breeze charm. Once a hub of trade and learning in the ancient world, it blends Greek, Roman, and Egyptian influences, making it one of Egypt’s most atmospheric and historically rich cities to explore.

How far is Alexandria from Cairo, and is it worth a day trip?

 

Alexandria is about 220 km (around 2.5–3 hours) from Cairo by road. Thanks to comfortable highways and modern vehicles, it’s an easy and scenic journey, and definitely worth the trip. In a single day, you’ll experience 4 of Egypt’s most important sites beyond the Pyramids, while enjoying a completely different Mediterranean atmosphere.

Can I enter the Citadel or Bibliotheca during the tour?

 

Yes! Both the Citadel of Qaitbay and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina can be entered and explored from the inside (entrance fees are included). Your guide will walk you through key areas, sharing stories that bring these places to life.

What’s the best time to visit Alexandria?

The best time to visit is from October to April, when the weather is mild and pleasant. During summer, Alexandria’s coastal breeze makes it cooler than Cairo, but it can still get busy with local visitors escaping the capital’s heat.

  • Private Transfers to/from Hotel
  • Entrance Fees
  • Egyptologist Tour Guide
  • Mineral Water during the Tour
  • Taxes and Service Charges
  • Drinks
  • Meals that are not mentioned
  • Tips and Gratuities
  • Items not included in the itinerary

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